-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Formula One team Sauber will feature a message of support for the people of Japan on the livery of their cars at the opening grand prix of the season .

The Asian country was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Friday last week with over 5,000 people now confirmed to have died .

One of Sauber 's drivers , Kamui Kobayashi , is a native of Japan and was born in the Hyogo prefecture .

He and Mexican Sergio Perez 's cars will carry a message in Japanese at the Melbourne Grand Prix in Australia on March 27 that reads ` may our prayers reach the people in Japan . '

Sauber 's team principal Peter Sauber told Formula One 's official website it was important the team did something to demonstrate their support .

`` It is difficult to find the right words to express our emotions and feelings , but silence means we ca n't even begin imagine how to try , '' he said .

`` We can hardly believe what we are seeing . Our thoughts are with the people in Japan .

`` We hope they will have the necessary strength to overcome these circumstances of extreme adversity . ''

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Formula One team Sauber to show support for Japan at opening race of the season

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Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi is from Japan

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Message to be displayed on the livery of Sauber 's cars